Background In the Extramadura region, more than 70% of the small falcon lesser kestrel (Falco naumanni) breeding colonies are located in urban centres. In particular, this unique network of 19 urban Special Protection Areas (SPAs) within the EU Natura 2000 network is currently home to over 50% of the region’s lesser kestrel population. A recent survey provided worrying data regarding the conservation status of the species in the region, confirming a continued declining trend of the breeding population. This is due to a number of factors including: loss of suitable breeding places (caused by the deterioration of buildings or by poor restoration works); loss of suitable foraging habitats (due to the extension of monocultures and the increasing use of pesticides); and low breeding success (caused by competition for nesting places from other bird species, high predation rates on eggs and chicks etc). A lack of agreed protocols to implement renovation works in a kestrel-friendly way, and a lack of awareness in rural areas of the conservation needs of the species are also factors hindering the species’ preservation. Objectives The overall objective of the LIFE- ZEPAURBAN project is to develop a management model that guarantees the long-term conservation of the lesser kestrel. Specific project objectives are to: Improve the conservation and management of breeding of the lesser kestrel populations in urban SPAs. This will involve a survey of nesting sites and measures to increase the number and quality of nesting sites, reduce competition with other species, and avoid nest destruction and disturbance caused by building works. The project will also design, manufacture and install a safer, more economical and longer-lasting type of nesting box; Ensure suitable foraging habitats for urban kestrel populations. The project will analyse diet and foraging habitat use and patterns in order to define the most favourable farming practices for the birds. It will develop a pilot project in Extremadura to encourage cooperation agreements with landowners, with a view to gaining their active involvement in the conservation of the species; Improve the quality of land for grazing, crops and field edges in order to increase the abundance and availability of prey, such as grasshoppers, crickets and other insects. These measures are also expected to help boost the breeding success of the lesser kestrels; Raise local awareness of the importance of lesser kestrel conservation, in particular among the owners of buildings, who play a crucial role in preserving nesting sites; and Develop tourism activities around the lesser kestrel, as a model of sustainable local economic activities. Expected results: The expected results will include the following: To raise awareness and increase knowledge among the local population of the issues surrounding the lesser kestrel and its roosting sites in 19 urban SPAs; A database of information on SPA colonies and fieldwork results; Definition and agreed methodology for lesser kestrel surveys in SPAs; Before the end of the project to ensure the following legally approved documentation: a habitat conservation plan for the lesser kestrel in the region, updated regulations for municipalities (including management measures for the species), three revised boundaries of existing SPAs and the designation of new SPAs (if necessary); Some 900 (stone) walls in over 500 buildings fitted with suitable gaps for nesting and installation of 1 000 new nesting boxes; An increase of the breeding population of around 50 colonies, by improving the species’ breeding success. The objective is to achieve a global population of around 880 breeding pairs (an increase of between 39.9% and 53% compared to the current population) and 1 000 pairs (a 74- 91% increase) five years after the project closes; and Signing of at least 20 cooperation agreements with farmers and stockbreeders to manage around 100 ha of cereal crops, 700 ha of grassland, 200 ha of legumes/alfalfa and to create 10 km of field boundaries with natural vegetation.